Brad Skertich

The Board conducted a public hearing on the 2025-2026 amended budgets for both the school district and the area vocational center. Key discussions and actions included reviewing financial summaries, authorizing major facility and construction projects such as athletic field design and gym additions, and approving safety equipment purchases like security film and an Open Gate system. The Board also addressed personnel matters, including various resignations, new employment appointments, salary adjustments for administrators and staff, and the approval of labor agreements. Additionally, the meeting covered an intergovernmental agreement, a student disciplinary expulsion, and the designation of a tentative budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

The Budget Committee reviewed several key operational and financial initiatives, including the proposal for Phase II of the district-wide security film project and a report on facility projects and financial health. The committee evaluated the purchase of a new security system for the CAVC facility, discussed and ultimately rejected an unsolicited proposal for a cell phone tower on school property, and considered the addition of assistant coaches for CMS athletic programs. Furthermore, the committee addressed an intergovernmental agreement to facilitate the processing of grant funding for the CAVC and reviewed the status of the amended 2026 district budgets.

The meeting featured reports on school year accomplishments, including vision screenings and scholarship awards, and an update on upcoming construction projects. Financial reviews covered operating funds, local tax receipts, and transportation expenses. Board actions included approval of board bills, policy updates, a student-parent handbook, a copier lease agreement, a new school club, and resolutions regarding tentative budget displays and MissVIC cooperative extensions. The board also approved personnel matters such as resignations, new hires, re-employment of relief aides, and coaching contracts. A discussion took place regarding a state funding delay for the Area Vocational Center expansion, resulting in a contingency plan to pause construction if funds are not released.

The committee discussed several initiatives, including the proposal for a new stadium scoreboard featuring LED video displays and sponsorship agreements. Personnel reports indicated that the district is fully staffed with certified personnel, though some non-certified positions remain open. Budgetary discussions included a proposed instrument use fee and increased budget accounts for the band program due to growing participation, the acquisition of a vacant lot for the building trades program, and an Intergovernmental Agreement concerning a new Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district. Additionally, the committee reviewed a planned transfer from the Tort Fund to the O&M fund, the expansion of student participation in 6th grade extracurricular activities, the continued funding of mental health services, an annual Chromebook lease agreement, and upcoming renewals for energy supply contracts. Progress on the CMS gymnasium project was also evaluated.

The Board held a public hearing regarding an interfund transfer from the Tort Immunity Fund to the Operations and Maintenance Fund, followed by a regular meeting. Key discussion topics included student recognitions, a presentation on student involvement in club activities, a technology report covering AI committee progress and infrastructure needs, and a financial review. The Board approved the sale of real property, new student clubs, camera upgrades, a stadium scoreboard replacement, Chromebook lease agreements, energy supplier renewals, and an intergovernmental agreement regarding a TIF project. Furthermore, the Board addressed student expulsions, personnel resignations and employment, and reviewed upcoming policy updates and summer program staffing.